The onslaught of college mail – do any schools send more than others?

It's like every day my mailbox is filled to the brim with materials from colleges and universities. I'm intrigued - are there specific institutions known for sending more mail than others? Does it say something about the school?

The influx of college mail you're noticing is a common experience for many high school students, especially during their junior and senior years. It's important to note that there's rarely a correlation between the volume of material sent by a particular school and the quality or prestige of that school.

Larger universities or those with substantial marketing budgets may send out more materials to attract a diverse range of applicants. Smaller institutions may do the same to increase their visibility. Some schools may also target students they believe to be a good fit based on PSAT or ACT Aspire scores, or other information.

There are definitely schools known to send more mail. For example, many have mentioned that University of Chicago sends a lot of mail after students take the PSAT.

However, don't interpret the amount of mail as a signal of your admission chances. These mailings are essentially marketing efforts and are typically sent to a broad audience of prospective students. It's best to judge a school based on your research and interest in its programs, campus culture, and other attributes important to you.

Consider using the mail as a way to organize your college search. As you accumulate material, you can start sorting it based on your interest level, and use it as a springboard for further research online. You can also use this as an opportunity to engage with the college by asking questions or showing interest. It could be helpful, even at colleges where demonstrated interest isn't greatly valued, because it might help you be more informed about the school and write a better "Why Us" essay. You can ask about things like specific programs, school culture, or any questions you have about the application process.

But again, don't feel pressure to respond to every piece of mail you receive. It's all about finding the right fit for you, and that's a personal journey that can't be determined by a mailbox full.